All-inclusives? Aren't those resorts where the drinks are watered down, the beaches are crowded and the accommodations are pretty minimal? Not exactly. The best thing about all-inclusives might just be that this one-price vacation gives you peace of mind and eliminates wallet shock at check out. But misconceptions are rampant, so here are five myths about all-inclusives that just might change your mind.

1. At an all-inclusive resort, when they say everything is included, that means everything.

For the most part, says Jennifer Byrne of The Tropical Travelers in greater Philadelphia, "they do mean it. I send lots of honeymooners to all–inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean and the only time I encounter extra charges is at three- or four-star properties, where there might a specialty restaurant surcharge."

But other travel agents say that when you look at the bill, not everything is included and extra charges do occur, depending upon what a traveler decides to do when they get there.

The same is true for off-property excursions and even WiFi. However, non-motorized sports like sea kayaking, snorkeling and sailing are usually part of the package.

"But if you have your heart set on scuba diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, you'll need to pay extra," says Lisa Leavitt of ActiveTravels.com, a Newton, Mass.-based boutique travel agency.

Bob Beukama, of Le Grande Tour in Richmond, Va., stresses that to know what you're getting, "you need to read fine print on the website. Sandals, which is the most inclusive of all-inclusives, says that a golf cart or caddie are not included but they are mandatory."

It gets trickier when it comes to tipping, which is ostensibly included at most all-inclusive resorts.

"At all-inclusives like Beach and Sandals, the employees are told not to accept tips," says Barth. "But at other all-inclusives, you sometimes find that tipping is not expected but appreciated."

The sage advice, says Leavitt, is that "tipping is wise if you find a good bartender who makes a stiff drink. You'll never receive a watered-down rum punch the rest of your trip."

What may have been true decades ago has greatly changed. All-inclusive properties now come in a variety of shapes and sizes and Barth says that many all-inclusive resorts offer a wide range of room categories. Rooms are ranked on location, view, size and added amenities, at the same range of prices that any hotel might offer.

In fact, some all-inclusives have as many as 20 different room categories, offering not just better views but larger rooms. The higher categories may also have nicer bathroom amenities or be in a building that's closer to the ocean.

"One of the benefits of working with a travel advisor is that we know the categories and can help clients sort through them," Barth says. "For example, a 'beachfront view' doesn't necessarily mean an 'oceanfront view'. You might be able to step out of your room onto the sand but there could be palm trees between you and the water."

The highest levels can be for club level rooms that come with private check-in and private lounge as well as the services of a concierge, who can book spa treatments and make restaurant reservations.

"Some categories are exclusive enough so that it's like a resort within a resort," says Barth. "If you want to skip the lines at check-in or have a better view, you can have it. But I tell my clients that it may cost them an additional $400 to $800 a week."

Some take it even further. Sandals now has "five different levels of rooms with butler service," says Beukema. "If you're on the beach and you want a sandwich, or you forgot your book on your bedside table, all you have to do is call your butler."

3. All-inclusives are aimed at the average traveler and tend be overcrowded.

That's certainly not true anymore. Barth points to five-star properties on the island of Antigua, such as Curtain Bluff, Jumby Bay and Hermitage Bay. The latter has just 25 rooms, 17 of them villas with plunge pools. He says "you can't get more boutique than that. These are all small, high-end properties with incredible levels of service."

Leavitt agrees, saying that "this is a complete fallacy, especially when you consider that some of the finest resorts in the world like Hotel Explora in Patagonia, the Singita private reserves in Tanzania and Vermont's Twin Farms are all-inclusive. Even on the built-up beaches of the Yucatan peninsula you'll find Grand Velas, which caters to a more discerning clientele who likes excellent food and luxurious accommodations."

Still, the myth persists, and Byrne says that while there are all-inclusives for all budgets, with a low budget "you have a greater chance of going to a basic, crowded hotel where you feel like cattle. So we advise our clients to spend a little more to get the most value, options and amenities."

4. The food at all-inclusives is not very good, one step above steam table fare at a food court.

"That's probably the biggest myth of all," says Barth. "Even people who work in the travel business think it's all buffets."

Buffets still exist, of course, but many resorts now have multiple restaurants, offering everything from Italian- and Mexican-themed places to Japanese Tepanyaki eateries. All-inclusives are also savvy about catering to food allergies and special diets. Byrne notes that adults-only all-inclusives are likely to have the better food and that in the past two years, she has noticed a trend to focus on the quality of the dining options "for all the foodies."

The resorts clearly want to keep those foodies happy, and some of the larger all-inclusives now offer a dozen or more eateries to keep guests from getting bored during their stay.

"Our family has been to at least 20 all-inclusive resorts," says Leavitt. "When we first started going in the early '90s, the food was mediocre and you usually started to see the same tired old entrees by Day 3. Thankfully, that's changed significantly. Today, all-inclusive brands like Riu, Iberostar, and Dreams all feature a variety of restaurants. I'm also happy to see more indigenous fare, like a jerk hut serving spicy chicken and sausages at the Riu resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios (Jamaica)."

As for the luxury all-inclusives, most have just one restaurant but with an ever-changing menu that's primed for gourmet dining.

5. All-inclusives are always good value.

Not necessarily. It depends on the destination, the season and the type of traveler you are. Some destinations, says Byrne, don't lend themselves as readily to all-inclusives, especially islands that are easy to get around and offer a lot of restaurant choices. On these islands, you could just as easily stay in a resort that wasn't all-inclusive and maybe even save money.

Barth singles out Turks & Caicos, which she says has "so many resorts and so many restaurants there that it doesn't make sense to stay at the island's only all-inclusive."

Leavitt says that season is an important consideration for uncovering value at an all-inclusive.

"Avoid school vacations and Spring Break," she says. "Most all-inclusive properties have a significant number of rooms they need to fill up year-round. So if you can skip New Year's Week and February/March break, you'll get your money's worth."

Ultimately, it really depends upon the traveler, notes Barth. "If you're a honeymoon couple and you need to know your costs or you don't want to think about anything on your honeymoon, then an all-inclusive is great."

On the other hand if you're an independent type who likes to explore and try out local restaurants, then staying at an in all-inclusive, says Barth, "could mean paying for things you're not really going to use or need."

For help booking an all-inclusive vacation, contact a travel agent specialist at Tripology.com.